Colorism can lead to dangerous skin lightening product use
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Key takeaways:
- Skin lightening agents are reportedly used in more than 20% of individuals with skin of color.
- Many individuals are not aware of the ingredients used in skin lightening agents.
NEW ORLEANS — Clinicians should be mindful of pigmentary concerns and colorism in their patients with skin of color and recognize the motivations behind skin lightening desires, according to a study presented here.
“Skin bleaching and lightening is a multi-billion-dollar industry internationally. Colorism can lead to individuals wanting to lighten their skin and utilizing lightening agents that they often do not know what ingredients are contained within them or consult a medical provider to guide use,” Roopal V. Kundu, MD, Jacob R. Suker, MD, Professor of Medical Education and founder and director of the Northwestern Center for Ethnic Skin and Hair at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, told Healio.
Researchers sent an anonymous 19-question survey to patients with skin of color in the United States asking information on demographics, colorism attitudes, skin tone satisfaction and skin lightening habits.
Of 455 individuals who completed the survey, 238 were Black, 83 were Asian, 84 were multiracial, 31 were Hispanic, 14 were American Indian or Alaskan Native and five identified as other.
The use of skin lightening agents was reported by 21.3% of respondents, with 75.3% of these respondents using them to treat a skin condition such as acne, melasma or hyperpigmentation.
Of those who used skin lightening products, 45.4% reported not knowing the active ingredient in the product and 35.1% reported using hydroquinone-based products.
These products, often purchased over the counter, could pose a health risk, especially for those who do not know what ingredients they contain, according to the authors.
Additionally, patients who reported using skin lightening agents had higher levels of skin tone dissatisfaction and higher average composite colorism scores (P < .001 for both).
“This reinforced our understanding that skin lightening is prevalent in the U.S., and identified colorism as one of the potential reasons for this increased prevalence amongst [skin of color],” Kundu told Healio. “Cultural mindfulness for clinicians as they address skin tone and pigmentary concerns, especially among [skin of color] patients, is necessary. There are historical and sociocultural motivations for skin lightening, and identifying these patient preferences and beliefs can lead to stronger patient-clinical relationships and improved care.”
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Poondru S, et al. Colorism attitudes and use of skin lightening agents in the United States. Presented at: Skin of Color Society Scientific Symposium; March 16, 2023; New Orleans.
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